When you decide to purchase ants from Fourmiculture, they are usually delivered to you in a test tube with water and cotton. However, once your colony has reached a population of around twenty workers, it's time to move them to an artificial ant farm better suited to their growth. This process can be delicate and requires certain precautions to ensure the well-being of your ants. In this article, we will explain step by step how to move your ants to their new home, while also providing practical tips to facilitate the transition.
- Preparing the new ant farm: Before moving the ants, make sure the new ant farm is properly prepared. It must be adequately moistened, either through the provided reservoir or by placing the substrate near the ants if you are using a digging ant farm. Moisture is essential for the ants' survival. Having moisture near the tube will encourage them to move.
- Initiating the relocation: Place the open tube in the foraging area, or on the substrate, depending on your ant farm. If it has a compatible connection system (as is the case when using Fourmiculture and a Fourmiculture ), simply connect the two parts together. Deliberately disturb the ants using a soft light source, but avoid direct sunlight, as it can be harmful to them. When the ants explore their new environment, they will find it more suitable if it is dark, under a cover or aluminum foil, compared to their old tube exposed to light.
- Patience and observation : It's important to keep in mind that the relocation process can take time. Some ants may be reluctant to leave their test tube because they're used to this familiar environment. Be patient and carefully observe your ants' reactions. They will eventually adapt to their new nest. This can take several days, even if conditions are better in their new nest. Conversely, if no method encourages them to move, they may remain in their original tube as long as it's moist (and the supply can last for months).
- Maintaining a calm and dark environment: Once you have transferred your ants to the new ant farm, it is recommended to leave the environment calm and dark for a while. This will allow the ants to get used to their new space and reduce the stress associated with the move. You can then disconnect the tube and close the hole. If a few ants remain in the tube, you can easily move them to the feeding area.